Worried about intractable open defecation, the Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the state’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to fully enforce environmental laws against it and ensure the provision of free public toilets across the state.
The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda decried the practice of open defecation, and the need to provide public infrastructure following a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo 1.
She emphasised the need for an extensive and sustained awareness campaign to educate residents on the dangers of open defecation.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe had warned that open defecation tarnishes Lagos’ reputation and hampers sustainable development.
In his contribution, Hon. Bonu Solomon, representing Badagry 1, advocated for the arrest of homeless individuals contributing to the sanitation crisis, urging local government chairmen to support state efforts in maintaining cleanliness.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa 1, proposed the introduction of affordable public toilets, while Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe 2, called for clear policies on managing public sanitation facilities.
Hon. Aro Moshood, Ikorodu Constituency 2, linked waste accumulation to open defecation, stressing the need for stricter waste management, especially in market areas like Mile 12.
The House also resolved to intensify public awareness campaigns and collaborate with private companies to fund sanitation initiatives across Lagos State.
